Launch Alaska seeks firms that help solve some of the world's most intractable problems in food, water, transport, and energy. We see Alaska as a world class location for deployment and validation of arctic technologies with global applications. Accelerator participants receive investment and mentors, as well as a four month intensive program that turns companies into lean, mean, startup machines.

We’re looking for innovative firms who are serious about scaling up. Firms that graduate from an accelerator have a higher rate of survival, and are more likely to receive additional investment—about 30% of firms graduating from a GAN-member accelerator receive second round investment, at an average of $1.9m. In addition to this possibility, you’ll receive mentoring and relationships with corporations, utilities, and experienced entrepreneurs.

PROGRAM TRACKS

Customer Discovery Track

WHO should apply: Companies with an innovative technology and a rock star team who are: 1) raising an angel or seed round, 2) needing to vet their business model with customers, and 3) seeking business development and investment readiness support.

WHAT support do we provide: We help companies find customers and vet their model by providing:

deployment track

WHO should apply: Companies with an innovative technology and an experienced team that are: 1) raising a series A to C round, 2) ready to validate their business model through project-based deployment, and 3) seeking to scale first in the Arctic and beyond.

WHAT support do we provide: We help you test your technology and scale by providing:

· Mentorship

· Introductions to customers, partners, and investors

· Demonstration design and support

· Up to $1M in investment for up to 6% in equity

· Co-working space

Requirements to Apply

Prototype: We prefer companies to have a functioning product or service, or one that that can be developed by the end of the program.

Full participation of at least two team members: Participation of two or more team members in the program leads to greater success in the program. The CEO and additional team member must be present in-person during program Summits listed at the bottom of this page.

U.S. entity: International applicants are welcome, but must establish a U.S. entity in order to participate.

For-profit: We invest in scalable, for-profit companies.

what we look for

Team: We want exceptional teams that are dedicated and have a track record of success. Applicants should highlight their diversity in backgrounds, ability to execute, and industry experience. We also test companies on their coach-ability in later application stages.

Investment Attractiveness: We look for companies with a clear path to profitability and a realistic exit strategy.

Technology: Innovative technologies that have the potential to make a 10x improvement in process, speed or function.

Alaska/Arctic Fit: We want to invest in companies that are solving one or more of Alaska’s challenges.

Scalability: We look for companies that have demonstrated traction in the market and have strong commercial potential. We evaluate a company’s cost structure, revenue model, product-market fit, value proposition, competitive landscape, and market size. Companies should highlight how they have tested their assumptions to validate their model.